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 Time

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 Friday May 9th.

"A Peer Round Whitehall"
Brian Rix, president of MENCAP, Baron Rix of Whitehall, recounts life in the Theatre, MENCAP and The Lords

Presented in association with
Clive Conway Celebrity Productions Ltd.

Brian Rix started a 30 year career as actor/manager with "Reluctant Heroes" at the Whitehall Theatre in 1950. He became a household favourite when the Whitehall and Garrick Theatre farces were produced for television; astonishingly he acted in over seventy television productions and many films, including his first hit " Reluctant Heroes".

After retirement from active theatre management, Sir Brian worked tirelessly on behalf of mentally handicapped children and became the Secretary General of the Society now known as the Royal Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults (MENCAP), he became the Chairman in 1988 and then its President in 1998. He has been highly honoured for his work for MENCAP, he has been awarded Honorary degrees, Fellowships of Learned societies, Campaining awards, a knighthood in 1986 and a peerage in 1992.

Lord Brian Rix will reminisce about his life from farce to the House of Lords and show film clips to illustrate his story.

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Saturday May 10th

10.30 am

 "The Flash and Bang Show"
An fizzing and popping science show by Explore-At-Bristol

Armstrong Hall

This show is brought to Thornbury by the Explore-at-Bristol,

Explore's scientists create colourful chaotic reactions with amazing experiments which fizz, bubble and freeze, then explode in a big ball of flame.

This is an amazing, interactive science show suitable for children from 5 upwards, it will appeal to all primary schoolchildren and their parents; grandparents too.

This is the fun way to learn about science and the principles behind the demonstrations and experiments which take place live on stage.

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

"Beyond the Danube"
Thornbury Choral Society's Spring Concert.

 
Peter King       Caroline Lowe    

  
Pavel Josifek        Lauri Gethin    

Thornbury Choral Society grew out of Thornbury Music Club and Choir founded in 1963, the conductor, Steven Kings, joined in September 2005. The Society’s main concerts held in May and November, usually with a full orchestra, have encompassesd a wide and varied selection of choral works. Click www.thornburychoralsociety.org.uk for further information

Tonight's concert "Beyond the Danube" features work by 3 Eastern European composers.

Dvorak – Mass in D
Janacek - Our Father
Kodaly - Missa Brevis

Dvorak's Mass in D is sung in the original 1887 version with organ accompaniment and is gentle, easy-going, tuneful and sunny, though very expressive.
Janacek's powerful Our Father will be sung in the original Czech accompanied by organ and harp.
Kodaly's Missa Brevis is sung in the original 1944 version with organ and is haunted by the emotions of war-torn Hungary with sounds of air-raid sirens, the prayers of the faithful for deliverance but also a solid, understated majesty.

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

Sunday May 11th.

"The Nick Langston Quintet"
 Cool jazz vocals and guitar from a rising star.

"How To Build A Time Machine"
Written and performed by Greg McLaren
Directed by Steve Brownlie

Wine and Fruit juice will be available in the Hall

Armstrong Hall

Greg McLaren               

Nick Langston               

Greg McLaren is back in Thornbury. Castle School former pupil and Northavon Youth Theatre star won critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival playing to sell-out audiences presenting his unique comedy show. Greg's superb performance was highly recommended by the Edinburgh Guide - and you don't even have to leave town! Don't miss it.

As an astrophysicist explains the cosmos to his audience, he accidentally builds a time machine. Searching for the secrets of the future he reveals his own past in this compelling comic performance. An irresistibly powerful blend of science, love and the contents of a garden shed.

"Rambunctious, delicate, bewildering and hysterically funny." The Guardian

"It is hard to imagine anyone not enjoying this show." Edinburgh Guide

Nick Langston. The evening will start with local rising talent Nick Langston on guitar with his Quintet, all excellent musicians in their own right. Nick's relaxed vocals brings to mind Sinatra, Scott Walker and Bryan Ferry, warm and laid back, set against cool jazz.  It will be jazz, swing, latin and cool; expect an upbeat mix of Jazz standards, exciting arrangements of classic material and pieces from his new album "Captivated" - and a few surprises. Nick's new album will be available on the night.

" A star in the making or a star yet to be discovered - one of the two." newbristoljazz.co.uk

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More and more cities are introducing trams as a clean and efficient transport system which is not subject to the congestion and delays of today's increasing road traffic. Bristol itself had a world beating system which sadly came to an abrubt end when the power station was caught in the blitz.

Peter Davey takes us back over the routes of the old Bristol Tramways when congestion was unknown, the service was reliable, Gracie Fields was appearing at the Bristol Hippodrome (see poster), and you didn't need to feed the horse!

Peter will bring with him a collection of memorabilia of those far off days.

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

Monday May 12th.

"Thornbury's got talent 2008"
Local young people showcase their talent

Talent shows abound on TV, a sure sign that there is a healthy supply of eager young people giving it their all in a attempt to break into Show Business and hit the Big Time.

Its now the turn of Thornbury's Young People.

In collaboration with The Youth Centre and support from ngm and the many Youth Groups in the town, Turnberries Community Building will host a talent contest to celebrate young people's artistic ability.

There will be music, dance, comedy, theatre etc. This is a chance to see the positive side of young people, their skills and achievements in contrast to the negative perception brought on by the troublesome few.

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

Monday May 12th.

"Renewable energy- thinking globally and acting locally"
Peter West - Severn Wye Energy Agency

With the rising costs of conventional power and the realisation that CO2 levels must be stabilised, many householders are wondering if there is a role in their own homes for renewable energy and how easy it is to convert to sustainable sources.

The Severn Wye Energy Agency has been set up to provide advice and assistance to local householders and is in partnership with South Glos. Council in a new scheme, SG Futurenergy, offering the possibliity of substantial grants towards renewable energy installations. The project managers are all well versed in the various sustainable products, the grants available and the practical aspects of installation. A one-stop shop for expert advice.
Click www.swea.co.uk/south_glosRE.htm

Pete West graduated as a chemist and built a career in renewable energy. He ran his own eco-friendly heating business, was a project manager for 6 years at the West Wales Eco Centre working on projects in Brussels and Eastern Europe. He joined SWEA 2 years ago and is looking at small scale initiatives to achieve energy savings.

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Monday May 12th.

"Water"
Academy nominated film (2005) by Deepa Mehta
supported by Thornbury Picture House

This is the third in the trilogy by Deepa Mehta completing her series Fire (1998) and Earth (1999).

It took almost five years to put the production of Water back together after threats, violence and disruption in India because of the opposition of fundamentalist Hindus where the story raises serious issues about the traditional role of women in society, it was finally shot in Sri Lanka under an assumed name and a strict code of secrecy.

"The film has serious, challenging things to say about the crushing of women by atrophied religious and social dogmas, but, to its great credit, it tells its story from inside its characters, rounding out the human drama of their lives, and unforgettably touching the heart." - Salman Rushdie

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Tuesday May 13th.

"From Pillar to Post"
Cyril Routley explores Street Furniture

The very familiarity of everyday objects in our streets renders them almost invisible as we hurry along to our next urgent activity. But if one stops for a moment to take a breath and observe, it is surprising just how rich and varied is the visual experience even in the most mundane of our streets.

Cyril Routley has stepped back and taken the time to observe our urban landscape, his study of our street furniture will be familiar in places, but then again some images will be surprising, but all demonstrate just how much is around us if you have a keen eye.

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

Dr Joyce Tyldesley of the University of Manchester is one of this country's foremost Eygptologists.

Her research interests range from paleolithic Flint tools, to the political and religious role of Eygptian Royal women to the myths and stories of Ancient Eygpt. Dr Tyldesley has written over 18 books mostly on aspects of Egypt society and is the author of a number of recent BBC publications linked to the current interest in ancient Egypt.

Tonight's presentation explores the life and times of Tutankhamun and is timed to coincide with the current exhibition at the O2 in London.

Dr Tyldesley will give an illustrated lecture and will be pleased to answer questions from the floor on King Tutankhamun, or any other aspect of life in Ancient Egypt. There will not be a better opportunity to hear of the remarkable religious and social upheavals which are revealed in The Evidence from the Tombs.

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

"Stories from Ancient Egypt"
Joyce Tyldesley
The wonder of Egypt for primary schools.

By studying the tombs, the rich objects left behind, the decorations, the hieroglyphs, the pyramids and the architecture, the remarkable life led by the Egyptians and their culture can be brought vividly to life some 5,000 years after it first became established.

Dr Tydlesley has written a number of learned books on the subject but she has also recently written, especially for children,a series of books on Mummies and Pyramids and Ancient Egypt.

This is an opportunity to learn, first hand, from one of the country's acknowleged experts about a very different civilisation from our own.

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

"The Gloucester and Sharpness canal - past and present"
Hugh Conway-Jones Historian and Author

Before railways were built, the canals carried the bulk raw materials and finished products from our industrial heartlands to the consumers and traders all over the country. Many are now in revival as a holiday and leisure pursuit.

The Gloucester and Sharpness canal was a a busy shipway right up to the 1960's because it retained its industrial roots and provided valuable access to Gloucester from the Severn Estuary for medium sized ships and barges.

Hugh Conway-Jones has studied the canal and traced its development from a failed venture to a thriving canal, a venue for leisure and pleasure and now a significant source of drinking water.

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"Nettle and Markham"
David Nettle and Richard Markham,
Britain's foremost piano duet on two Steinway pianos

David Nettle and Richard Markham last appeared in the Thornbury Festival in 1994.

They rank amongst the world's foremost piano duos. Their vitality, enthusiasm, musical integrity and remarkable enemble playing have been delighting audiences throughout the musical world, they are one of the most entertaining and musically satisfying partnerships performing today. They have performed in all of the world's major concert halls. This is their 30th anniversary season and they will tour extensively in the USA later in the year.

Tonight's programme will incude work by Bruch, Schumann, Liszt, Brahms, Poulenc and Bernstein.

With acknowledgement to Steinway and Sons

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Thursday May 15th.

"The Thrills and Spills of a Church Organist"
Jean Routley. Tales of 30 years as an organist.

Jean Routley has many entertaining tales to tell about her 30 years as a music teacher and organist at Backwell church.

Jean also plays her keyboard during her presentation and gives us many familiar organ, piano and harpsicord pieces.

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Thursday May 15th.

SORRY, SOLD OUT

"Cider with Rosie" by Laurie Lee
Adapted for the stage by Nick Clarke
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Sponsored by Mrs Joan Hawkins

This is a quiet evocation of life in a sleepy Cotwold village in the summer following the end of the Great War. The young Laurie Lee moves into a new home where life is peaceful, slow, and governed by the seasons. It is a children's paradise.

Then our hero meets Cabbage Stump Charlie, Jones' goat and the tantalising temptation of supping cider with Rosie Burdock......

Laurie Lee's heart warming tale is brought to life in Nick Clarke's dramatic and humorous stage adaptation in a "not to be missed" ensemble production by the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Friday May 16th.

The Royal School of Needlework
Clare Hanham tells of her training and work as an embroiderer.

Clare Hanham studied for 3 years at the Royal School of Needlework and set up her own business and studios, Vine Embroidery in Bradford on Avon, after graduationg.

Her talk covers her training and her current work with plenty of examples of the fine pieces she now designs and creates.

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Friday May 16th.

"Tango:Nuevo"
Virtuoso passionate Tango with music by Tango Siempre.

If you were thrilled by the passion and excitement of Subitango at the Festival a few years ago then you will not want to miss Tango Siempre's new show Tango Nuevo.

Four Latin American born dancers, Myriam Ojeda Patino, Giraldo Escobar, Kicca Tomassi and Julio Mendez give stunning virtuoso displays of traditional tango to powerful groundbreaking contemporary tango music as close to the fire and passion of its origins as to the latest innovations in music and dance.

The live music, a passionate fusion of Tango, Jazz and contemporary/electronic music is composed, arranged and performed by Tango Siempre.

Tango Siempre - Ros Stephen (violin), Pete Rosser (accordian) Jonathan Taylor( piano) Richard Pryce (double bass) Milo Fell (drums/electronics)
Choreography - Myriam Ojeda Patino

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Saturday May 17th.

10.30 am

"The Crow and The Chick Pea"
as told by Cassandra
Stories and Sound by Ragata for a family audience.

 Thorn Hall
 Sheiling School

A bewitching blend of stories and sounds, woven together to the rhythms and ragas of classical Indian music, creating an enchantly evocative backdrop to each twist and turn of the magical story.

Join this cheeky crow, the ants with attitude and a cat with a conscience in this mischevious and magical mix of myths and music from South Asia.

Starring the crow who tried to steal his supper and gets more than he bargained for. Will you help him find this most elusive pea....and save his life?

Ragata is Cassandra the Storyteller,
with music by Simon Kohli (Sarod), Dhyan Singh (Tabla).

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

"Humphrey Lyttelton and his band"   Cancelled

Humph's his good friend Mr Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz band have agreed to appear instead of Humph on Saturday May 19th.

 Tickets: Sold Out.

Date 14 April. All available seats have been sold.
Date 26 April. Sadly Humphrey Lyttelton died today following a heart operation.

With an 8 piece band, which he regarded as among his best ever, playing a versatile repertoire extending from early traditional to modern jazz by way of Ellington and Basie, add to that his own witty and informative commentaries and you had an evening to remember. Humph received a BBC life-time achievement award for services to jazz in 2001. He started playing in George Webbs' Dixielanders who pioneered New Orleans style jazz in Britain, and formed his first band in 1948, so in February this year he celebrated 60 unbroken years as a bandleader.

19 April. Over the next few days we are contacting all those who have been allocated tickets to explain that Acker Bilk will be appearing instead on Humph.

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Saturday May 17th.

SORRY, SOLD OUT

"Mr Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz band"

Armstrong Hall

 Tickets: All sold

Pensford's own Jazz Legend Mr Acker Bilk has been engaged at short notice to take the stage with his Paramount Jazz Band to fill the gap left by Humphrey Lyttelton's sad death.

Acker and Humph often play and tour together, so it is fitting that Acker is available to take over his friend's engagement in Thornbury. Acker is still entertaining sell-out houses all over the country with his recognisable style and his lively personality, his recordings of Stranger on the Shore and Summer-set both set record sales figures and he has been honoured by with an MBE for services to Jazz (see left) and Bristol University has awarded him a honorary MA.

Appearing with his 6 piece Paramount Jazz band, Acker's legendary clarinet tone is set against new and old styles of jazz which reflects Acker's musical progression from Bristol's clubs to International Jazz legend.

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

 Sunday May 18th.

SORRY, SOLD OUT

"Tales from the River Bank"
Walk Guide - Nick Large
From Littleton Pill to Aust

Following the very successful sell-out trails in the last couple of years we are continuing the same theme, this time taking in the Severnside scenery from Littleton Pill to the fossil bearing cliffs at Aust.

Enjoy a relaxed level walk with an expert guide prepared to answer all your questions on the area's history, industry and geology - with some informed natural history to boot.

Nick has planned this as an informal guided ramble for families and will refer to the Great Whale of 1885, the sailing ship Matilda, the Severn salmon fisheries, the geology of Aust cliff, the river crossings, and the Aust Goddess.

Distance - 4 Km. Time taken - between 2 to 21/2 hr, a cream tea will then be available at The White Hart.

Meet at Whale Wharf from 1.30pm, the walk will start at 2.00pm. Parking is limited, if you can offer a lift or would be prepared to car share, please email secretary@thornburyartsfestival .com

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 Jan. 2007

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 Winter Programme Events

 Where?

Tuesday 30th and
Thursday 31th.

10.00 am

"Macbeth"
 Bristol Old Vic Theatre School

 Armstrong Hall

This production is aimed at parties of school children. There is no compromise with the language, the realistic stage fighting and the blood stained scenes which grip the young audience as they come to realise the immorality of Lady Macbeth's ambition and Macbeth's terrible actions.

After the production there is time for the audiece to quiz the cast on the theatrical production, the mock blood and the fight scenes as well as questions on the details of the Macbeth story and Shakespere in general.

 Date

 Time

 Spring Programme Events

 Where?

"Stories from Ancient Egypt"
Joyce Tyldesley
The wonder of Egypt for primary schools.

By studying the tombs, the rich objects left behind, the decorations, the hieroglyphs, the pyramids and the architecture, the remarkable life led by the Egyptians and their culture can be brought vividly to life some 5,000 years after it first became established.

Dr Tydlesley has written a number of learned books on the subject but she has also recently written, especially for children,a series of books on Mummies and Pyramids and Ancient Egypt.

This is an opportunity to learn, first hand, from one of the country's acknowleged experts about a very different civilisation from our own.

 Date

 Time

 Spring Programme Events

 Where?

Creative Writing Workshops
Angus Alexander Brown

Sponsored by The Mayor's Charity

Date

 Time

 Festival Week Events

 Where?

This show is brought to Thornbury by the Explore-at-Bristol,

Explore's scientists create colourful chaotic reactions with amazing experiments which fizz, bubble and freeze, then explode in a big ball of flame.

This is an amazing, interactive science show suitable for children from 5 upwards, it will appeal to all primary schoolchildren and their parents; grandparents too.

This is the fun way to learn about science and the principles behind the demonstrations and experiments which take place live on stage.

 Date

 Time

 Spring Programme Events

 Where?

Monday May 12th.

"Thornbury's got talent"
Local young people showcase their talent

Talent shows abound on TV, a sure sign that there is a healthy supply of eager young people giving it their all in a attempt to break into Show Business and hit the Big Time.

Its now the turn of Thornbury's Young People.

In collaboration with The Youth Centre and support from ngm and the many Youth Groups in the town, Turnberries Community Building will host a talent contest to celebrate young people's artistic ability. There will be music, dance, comedy, theatre etc. This is a chance to see the positive side of young people, their skills and achievements in contrast to the negative perception brought on by the troublesome few.

 Date

 Time

 Spring Programme Events

 Where?

Saturday May 17th.

10.30 am

"The Crow and The Chick Pea"
as told by Ragata
Stories and Sound for a family audience.

 Thorn Hall
 Sheiling School

A bewitching blend of stories and sounds, woven together to the rhythms and ragas of classical Indian music, creating an enchantly evocative backdrop to each twist and turn of the magical story.

Join this cheeky crow, the ants with attitude and a cat with a conscience in this mischevious and magical mix of myths and music from South Asia.

Starring the crow who tried to steal his supper and gets more than he bargained for. Will you help him find this most elusive pea....and save his life?

Ragata Cassandra - Storyteller
Simon Kohli (Sarod), Dhyan Singh (Tabla)

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Late News

 Feb/March 2008

 Time

 Spring Programme Events  

 Where?

Contact 01454 853947 for Music.
          or 01454 413887 for Speech and Drama
Judging of the various Eisteddfod Music classes will take place over a 9 day period and the Speech Classes on one day.

 Feb/March 2008

 Time

Eisteddfod class competitions

 Where?

Eisteddfod Music Class Judging

The Music Eisteddfod is sponsored by the Lions Club of Thornbury

Whitsun Hall,
Hatch Community (at junction of Castle St/ Kington Lane).
Thornbury

 Saturday 1st March

9.00 - 12.30 pm

1.30 -  5.00 pm

Eisteddfod Speech and Drama
Class Judging

The Speech and Drama Eisteddfod is sponsored by the Lions Club of Thornbury

Whitsun Hall,
Hatch Community (at junction of Castle St/ Kington Lane).
Thornbury

10.00 - 1.00 pm

2.00 - 7.00 pm

Eisteddfod Music Class Judging

The Music Eisteddfod is sponsored by the Lions Club of Thornbury

Eisteddfod Choral Class Judging

The Music Eisteddfod is sponsored by the Lions Club of Thornbury

 Sunday 9th March

2.30 pm

Eisteddfod Concert

Selected Eisteddfod entrants are invited to perform before an appreciative audience.

Armstrong Hall

 Sunday 9th March

2.30 pm

Eisteddfod Concert

Showcasing some of the top young performers in Thornbury

Armstrong Hall

2002 Best overall vocal
Thornbury Cymrodorian Cup Presentation
    

The judging for the various Eisteddfod classes will take place over a 9 day period in two venues.

For details of of Music classes etc.,
call Karen Blount on 01454 853947            

For details of times of Speech and Drama classes etc.,
please ring 01454 413887.

Selected class winners from the Eisteddfod will be invited on stage at the Eisteddfod Concert on Sunday March 9th, performing, singing or playing, for an appreciative audience.

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